Dear ABU Administration, it is time for you to hear what many people are thinking. By people, I mean the faculty, students, and alumnae of the school of music. You have not just destroyed many students and their education, but you have destroyed a family. We were a family. Unfortunately, the decisions made by you deteriorated us all from the inside.

The first day of the fall 2015 semester was supposed to be great. We were welcoming the freshman to our fine establishment, when our professors broke the news that there was a possibility that 2/3 of our programs were going to be cut. Word spread quickly. Within hours, alumnae had set up a GoFundMe page in hopes to "Save the School of Music." Their efforts were appreciated by all, except for you, I am sure.

Optimism was high, at first. Then the official news came in October, I believe, that the musical arts and music performance degrees were being cut. Students were angry. Professors were angry. Alumnae were angry. Alderson-Broaddus College was founded on music and the sciences. I guess changing the name of the college to a university and eliminating the hyphen, means eliminating many other things, including the music program.

What is left for us remaining music students? Our funds have been depleted, leaving it nearly impossible for us to recruit. That optimism has turned into anger. Students are taking their anger out on other students, because of you and the decisions that you have made. Making music is supposed to be a joyous experience but you have made that hard to do at a once prestigious music school.

I was angry, but now all I feel is sadness. Sadness for myself, because I love this school so much. I feel that I have to leave because my education is at risk. I feel sadness for my friends, because I know that they are feeling how I do. I see how they are acting and know it is because of your actions. I feel sadness for my professors. They are absolutely amazing people and amazing teachers. They know that if they do not leave, then they will soon be without a job.

I hope that whatever your plan was comes true. Just remember, you have torn apart a family of people whose one goal in life was to fill others with happiness through the means of music.

Sincerely, Bethany

PS. Team Hyphen